This Sydney designer achieves the perfect
balance between art and science through
his lighting practice, ADesignStudioAlex Fitzpatrick
DESIGN PROFILE
WORDS CARLI PHILIPSTell us about your creative journey so far I started off studying
product design at TAFE and was really into the graffiti scene
but eventually went to study industrial design in Canada, where
I was born. My first job was at Lightform [augmented reality
specialists] and I worked my way up from the warehouse.
I learnt a lot there, especially how the poetic and scientific
sides of lighting influence one another. But ultimately, I knew
I wanted to live by the beach, so I moved back to Sydney and
knocked on the door of Euroluce Lighting. Over the years I also
worked for Firefly PointOfView and Electrolight before officially
launching my own business, ADesignStudio, in 2016.
Where did the name ADesignStudio come from? I found the
casual nature of ‘a’ design studio quite appealing, as there were
so many design studios popping up. ADesignStudio became
a logical extension to Alex Fitzpatrick Design as I wanted to
build a brand and studio, rather than myself.
How would you describe your work? My work is about light,
but also about engineering and systems. I design everything from
the LED outwards, so I have full control. It’s always about how
the light works with materials and then how it will affect the
environment. I like to experiment, but love working with glass.
It’s mesmerising and the possibilities are endless.
Where do you find inspiration? From my surroundings. My first
fitting, Light Garden, was inspired by the bougainvillea of Surry
Hills, especially how the light hits when they trail. Greenway
was a simple silhouette influenced by the modular, stack-like
constructions of the lighthouses in Watsons Bay. I’m also drawn
to biomimicry and how we can emulate nature’s processes.
Career highlights? This year has been really amazing. Along
with other talented Australians, I worked with design platform
Local Design, collaborating on an installation within [Hong
Kong] department store Lane Crawford during Art Basel. It was
really successful for me commercially. Then there was Milan
Furniture Fair in April, followed by DENFAIR in Melbourne.
What is your design process, from concept to finished piece?
I always sketch during the research phase. I try to add a narrative
to the science; it’s not just decorative. Then I use cardboard for
scale models and investigate with actual materials, maybe using
3D printing to make sure everything works together. I’m always
playing with LEDs and have a team to help me with prototyping.
I have a regular glass schedule so we make pieces every two weeks.
What’s on the horizon for you right now? Some hotel and
hospitality work and maybe a visit to Dubai. I really just want
to buckle down and maybe work with some fellow designers.
I’m also going to start investigating more materials.
For more information, visit adesignstudio.com.auTHE CUT
PHOTOGRAPHY: ROHAN VENN28 | INSIDE OUT